Богородица2012 beckons and this term’s trips have been anounced; see where they are in ’2011-12 trips’ (click here).
Training dates for this term have also been announced – click here for details.
It’s also GUPA’s tenth anniversary in 2012 and that’s something to celebrate; details of the reunion will be posted soon.
Happy New Year and Excellent Caving in 2012!
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GUPA meets at Dram! on Woodlands Rd on Thursday evenings from nine onwards.
If you fancy a pint or to exchange tales of derring-do (and derring-don’t!) come and meet us in the pub. Anyone with an interest in caving is welcome.
The pub website can be seen here. We may be in any of the rooms depending on how full it is; if you can’t find us ask the staff.
Outwith termtime the old lags who are still in Glasgow are usually there but it’s worth checking with us first.
The nearest subway station to Dram! is Kelvinbridge.
The two weekends run especially with freshers in mind have taken place and by all acounts were brilliant. Here are some selected entries from the club logbook:
(and don’t worry if you still haven’t been, we’ll make sure your first trip is suitable for your level of experience)
First Freshers’ Trip (23-25 Sep 2011):
First caving trip ever! … The first day we went to Long Churn and I managed to get into all the first puddles. The waterfall once we got down was worth all the cold and wet – If only I could have left it a little more gracefully! After having climbed the ladder and repeatedly warned not to get in the puddle by Stuart – lost my footing and fell backwards sending water down to those below, Ben, Fabian and Simeon. Well, not only was the waterfall worth it, but it was an experience as well.’ Dominique Horner
‘I was so excited before the trip. It was a good few months since I’d entered a cave, and I couldn’t wait to get in the minibus and head to Yorkshire. I am quite delighted to say that I can’t have had a been a better weekend anywhere else. I met new people, played new games and the most important thing of all – visited new caves! It’s the best experience of uni so far, even better than the freshers week! I’d be happy to join the club and continue having fun with the people I met.’ Simeon Skopalik
Second Freshers’ Trip (7-9 Oct 2011):
‘Today was my first caving trip, it was awesome. We went to the Kingsdale Valley Entrance. Though parts were very hard, like climbing a ladder at the end of the trip, it was really great – sliding down an underground stream like a waterslide was a highlight. We went down Valle entrance, down a ladder to the master cave, then upstream.’ Niamh
‘I really enjoyed today’s caving trip. The ladder work was challenging, so I’m glad I did it. I also enjoyed the atmosphere and banter between my fellow freshers and the caving captain/instructors. Good fun all around!’ Ali
‘This has been my first caving trip and it has been better than I thought it would be. We spent 3 1/2 hours in the cave, climbing down ladders, and negotiating ridiculously small spaces. Despite the lack of sleep and rain – things went well!’ David
‘With no prior caving or climbing experiences, I did not quite know what to expect from the trip. However, I had a great time in the cave and on the surface. GUPA did an amazing job in introducing the freshers to caving. And even though I was warned not to go on a trip with Mike as a totally inexperienced caver, I survived and definitely want to ‘join the descent’ again! Thank you for the great weekend!’ Arne
A caving Limerick:
The six of us set out as strangers,
Half aware of the perilous dangers
We crossed Abbey Road, to the Devil’s abode,
Where we followed our Mancunian saviour’
Written by Daniel Bartling
